What are the pros and cons of changing your legal name?

The pros and cons of legally changing your name

• Pro: You have all of the options you could ever want.
• Con: It’s not free.
• Pro: You can leave behind a trendy name.
• Con: You have to tell everyone about the change.
• The legal process.

What happens after you change your name?

After the Name Change Once a court has ruled in favor of your name change, there will be a record of the court order approving your name change. When you change your name on your social security card, passport, driver’s license, and other important places, you’ll need this court order.

Is it legal to change your name to a confusing one?

Changing your name to a confusing one as defined by state law, which may include names with numbers, for example Changing your name to include a racial slur or “fighting words” (threatening, obscene and/or inciting violence, as defined by state law).

How do you legally change your name after a divorce?

Obtaining a legal document such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court granted petition will allow you to change your name but won’t make your name change official, explains Phipps. “You won’t be legally recognized by your new name until you’ve submitted applications with the Social Security Administration, DMV, etc.”

How does the legal name change process work?

If you want to change your name for reasons other than those related to marriage or divorce, the legal name change process usually involves first filing a petition with the court. You may also have to attend a hearing and show cause for your name change request. If your petition is granted, the court will enter a decree with your new name.

What should you expect when you don’t change your name?

In case you’re in the same boat, here are some things to expect when you don’t change your name. 1. Making the decision not to change your name is the hard part. “I spent a surprising amount of time weighing this decision, and it turns out it pretty much hasn’t affected my life,” said Robin Kawakami, TODAY senior editor.